May

4

Trade Show Exhibits, Shoe Marketing, Business Cards

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HOW TO SHOW OFF AT THE SHOW
My first exhibit at a business trade show was nerveracking. Another exhibitor had gift baskets piled high in her booth, but once I explained to executives the differences between her gift baskets and the services attached to mine, the orders arrived in no time. Wednesday’s newsletter gets you ready for trade show exhibits, explaining in three steps what it takes to go from show to sell.

STEP THIS WAY
I explained how I use infant and toddler shoes as marketing tools, and one savvy designer questioned me about what the client does with the shoe when the contents are gone. Here’s a link to the original article, comment, and my suggestion. What’s your thought about this?

HIGH CARD WINS
Are your business cards the traditional one-sided type, printed on both sides, or designed in a trifold format? Here’s the lowdown about today’s cards and reasons why you might create two or more styles to present to different clients.

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Apr

30

Ready to Try a Trade Show?

Filed Under Marketing Materials, TRADE SHOWS | 2 Comments

Today’s mail just arrived. It includes an invitation to show your gift baskets at an upcoming regional business show and promises to be visited by local firms, from temp agency reps to landscapers.

This may be a great opportunity to show your gift baskets to hundreds of potential corporate clients. Will you exhibit? Here’s what to consider before signing up.

1. Get the facts. Ask the show producers about last year’s attendance numbers. Also request last year’s show directory so you can call random exhibitors for their feedback on the past event.

2. Choose your marketing materials. Flyers, catalog sheets, and a giveaway drawing that lets you collect business cards for post-event contact are the norm. If you have no literature to distribute, don’t exhibit at this show.

Do you recall the brochure samples I shared with you?
Brochure Flyer
Trifold Brochure
Standard Catalog
Four Page Catalog

3. Create your database. Your post-show strategy includes entering prospects’ names and addresses into a database (or hiring an outsourcing company to complete the project), and calling as many of them as possible to sell them on your baskets for general appreciation and upcoming occasions.

Trade show exhibiting connects you with prospects whom you normally have no access to, and it’s a fantastic way to increase your sales throughout the year.

Learn more on how to create a simple Web site contact page for prospects to ask questions before ordering.

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Apr

27

Summer Gift Baskets, Photography, Marketing Materials

Filed Under Corporate Baskets, Marketing Materials, Photography | 2 Comments

MAKE SUMMER SALES SIZZLE
You’re working fast and furiously to create spring gift baskets, and suddenly, sales fall flat. It’s now summer, and you didn’t create a plan to keep sales strong. What can you do now to keep the revenue flowing? Wednesday’s newsletter reveals five methods to make the summer a sales bonanza and plant seeds you’ll reap in the fall and winter.

TAKE PHOTOS IN A SNAP
Do you remember to take pictures of each gift basket you make, whether for a customer or one made as an experimental design? Here’s a little encouragement to buy a camera that captures photos of your masterpieces.

ORDER YOUR MARKETING PIECES EARLY
I sometimes use all of my marketing materials and find that I have nothing else in stock as a substitute. Has this happened to you? Here’s a lesson in what may act as a backup and how not to let your materials deplete at the last minute.

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Apr

6

Workspace Organization, Creating Brochures, Social Networking

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CLUTTER BE GONE
What’s worse than looking for a tiny piece of paper under piles of more paper? Is that the state of your office, or have you been there, done that, and don’t want to go back? Wednesday’s newsletter reminds you why it’s important to organize your office like a well-oiled machine because, frankly, you’re worth it.

BROCHURES FOR BEGINNERS
Many gift basket designers sent me Emails in appreciation for last week’s five-day brochure tutorial. Some are still having problems deciding if the investment is worth the cost. What do you think? See the tutorial here, and submit questions at Ask The Gift Basket Expert.

TWEETING WITH TWITTER
Is Twitter part of your business life? I’m on the system and am learning a lot from my connections. If you want to know what all the chirping is about, this quick look at Twitter may provide you with insight on why the application can be helpful for business and personal inspiration.

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Mar

16

Creative Gift Tags, Update Your Web Site

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STORIES FROM THE OTHER SIDE
A new client called me, insisting on specific items for her gift basket, items that normally cost $60. She wanted it all for $30. Then she said the words that canceled the sale: “I’ll send you a check.” Wednesday’s newsletter shares three more examples and solutions to situations that don’t happen every day but are important to know to keep your sanity while doing what you love.

CREATIVE WAYS TO CONNECT
Finding attractive gift tags and cards to accompany gifts and baskets is sometimes difficult, but that’s when your ingenuity takes charge. There are retail and wholesale sources, or you might make your own brand of tags. See this photograph showing the types of cards I use, and learn where to find your own.

RENEW YOUR ONLINE APPEARANCE
Is it time to update your Web site? You’re not alone. I’m going over my sites with a fine-toothed comb, and I’ll use the list provided here that outlines changes you may want to make on your site.

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